The wider the variety of the foods you eat, the better chance you
have to get all the nutrients needed for good health. But there are
some foods with such a strong link to disease prevention and a
wealth of nutrients that it makes sense to eat them every day.
Oranges (or orange juice): A great source of
folic acid, fiber, antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, and anticancer
compounds flavonoids and carotenoids. Drink fresh orange juice; eat
fresh oranges for snacks; make fruit salad with oranges, and toss
peeled orange sections into a spinach salad.
Dark Leafy Greens: Full of anticancer
compounds, vitamins and minerals. Contains folic acid to help
prevent neural-tube birth defects, antioxidants beta-carotene and
vitamin C, fiber, and anticancer compounds beta-carotene and
lutein. Try spinach, collard greens, kale, turnip greens. Eat raw
or lightly cooked. Use in salads and stir-fry.
Bran Cereal (or other rich source of wheat
bran): Prevents constipation, is a potent anticancer agent,
prevents polyps, may fight breast cancer by diminishing estrogen
supplies. Mix in with your other cereals, make bran muffins,
sprinkle on salads, mix into casseroles, even eat out of hand with
a mix of raisins and nuts.
Yogurt (low fat, with live cultures): Supplies
calcium to prevent osteoporosis, boosts immune function, fights
bacteria, has anticancer properties, may prevent yeast infections.
Make fruit and yogurt smoothies, top vanilla yogurt with fresh
fruit and granola, use on baked potatoes instead of sour
cream.
Green tea:Mounting evidence supports green
tea's cancer fighting properties, most likely due to it's
anti-oxidant content. Boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss or
maintenance. Drink your green tea either with or without caffeine,
either hot or iced. Most studies showing the weight loss benefits
of green tea were designed with green tea being consumed with
meals.